Motoring

10 fuel efficient used cars that cost less than R220,000

Staff Writer

 ·1 Nov 2021

South Africa’s beleaguered motorists are facing fuel-price hikes of ‘catastrophic proportions’, with massive price increases for both petrol and diesel looming large on the horizon.

Mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) shows that fuel prices could see significant increases in November as crude oil prices settle above $80 per barrel, while the rand has moved above R15:00 versus the dollar in recent sessions.

The data made available by the CEF to 14 October shows an under-recovery in both petrol and diesel prices, pointing to a possible increase of between 95 and 98 cents per litre for petrol and over R1.40 per litre for diesel.

The mid-month changes are as follows:

• Petrol 95: increase of 98 cents per litre;
• Petrol 93: increase of 96 cents per litre;
• Diesel 0.05%: increase of R1.41 per litre;
• Diesel 0.005%: increase of R1.42 cents per litre;
• Illuminating Paraffin: increase R1.42 per litre.

So, if you’re considering trading your current fuel-guzzler for a potentially more efficient vehicle, AutoTrader has provided a list of potential options. We’ve rummaged through unique variant-level data sourced to identify the most popular fuel-frugal used cars listed below R300,000 over the first nine months of 2021, noted AutoTrader CEO George Mienie.

“Focusing on these most listed models means there should be plenty of stock to browse should something catch your eye, particularly in this sub-R300,000 price bracket of the market,” said Mienie.

Before it quietly left the new-vehicle scene earlier this year, the Ford Fiesta 1.5TDCi Trend hatchback was billed as the most efficient conventionally powered car in South Africa. The four-cylinder turbo diesel unit under the bonnet generates 63kW and 175Nm, peak outputs that are delivered to the front axle via a six-speed manual gearbox.

For the Fiesta 1.5TDCi Trend, the Blue Oval brand lists a rock-bottom combined consumption of 3.3L/100km, which translates to a theoretical range of almost 1,300km from the 42-litre tank.

The turbocharged petrol versions of Ford’s small hatchback also bear impressive claimed fuel figures, with the 92kW/170Nm Ford Fiesta 1.0T – offered in both base Trend and high-spec Titanium forms – coming in at 4.3L/100km, said Mienie.

If you favour diesel but prefer a sedan body style, there’s the option of the F30-generation BMW 320d, which bears a claimed fuel economy of 4.5L/100km when fitted with an automatic transmission. Here, motive force comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder oil-burner that sends 135kW and 380Nm to the rear wheels, said Mienie.

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.0TSI GT is both the most powerful and most fuel-efficient variant in the Vivo range, with the German firm claiming the hatchback is capable of sipping fuel at a rate of 4.6L/100km. The little turbocharged three-pot makes 81kW and 200Nm, directing these outputs to the front axle through a six-speed manual gearbox.

“The reality is that the price of petrol is fast approaching the R20 a litre mark, with diesel not too far behind. Switching to a more efficient car is one way to save fuel though it needn’t be a costly process since there are a number of interesting options in this corner of the used market,” said Mienie.

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